Southwest to End Its Senior Fares Discount

Southwest Airlines says it will end its Senior Fares discount in the midst of the holiday travel season. People age 65 and over will have until December 11, 2019 to take advantage of the discount, the airline says on its website.

Southwest Senior Discount to Be Discontinued

The demise of the senior discount is not expected to affect the elderly or the airline much and here’s why: Clark.com Travel Editor Clara Bosonetto says the program wasn’t greatly taken advantage of.

“The senior discount rate offered was a small reduction from full-fare and fully refundable rates,” she says. “However, it wasn’t a widely used benefit since travelers 65+ could often find better rates, such as low ‘Wanna Get Away’ fares booked with advance notice.”

Clara says any purchased discount rate on Southwest can still be exchanged for future travel in the event of a cancellation with no additional penalty.

Still, for those older passengers who want to use the discount, travel will be good through April 13, which is how far ahead the airline’s current schedule has been released, according to the Dallas Morning News.

For its part, Southwest is steering passengers toward its other fare features, like:

• Refunds with their Anytime and Business Select fares
• No change fees
• Two free checked bags

What Other Discounts Does Southwest Offer?

Southwest still has discount fares available to certain groups of people. They include:

• Military Fares: To take advantage, you must be on active duty and present valid ID. To get the details on Military Fares, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
• Infant & Children Fares: Some flights have discount fares available for infants and children, but they can’t be booked online. You’ll have to call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).